Steering arrangement



June 2, 1925.

E. LUCHSINGER STEERING ARRANGEMENT Filed Aug. 6, 1923 Patented June 2, 1925,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFF-ICE.

EMIL LUCHSINGER, OF BERLIN, GERMANY, ASSIGNOR TO N. V. INSTITUUT VOOR AERO- EN HYDRODYNAMIEK, F AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS, A DUTCH COMPANY.

STEERING ARRANGEMENT.

Application filed August 6, 1923. Serial No. 656,105.

T 0 all whom it 'may concern:

Be it known that I, EMIL LUCI-ISINGFR, a citizen of the Swiss Confederation, and re siding at Berlin, Germany, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Steering Arrangement, of which the following is a specification.

Steering arrangements such as rudder arrangements for. vessels and aircraft, airships and flying machines, in which the main rud der is adjusted by means of at least one auxiliary rudder with the aid of the current, have a coupling gearing so arranged between main rudder and auxiliary rudder that the latter is returned to its position of rest as soon as the main rudder has completed its prescribed movement. Besides, said gearing serves, in the event of any undesired movements of the main rudder caused by the current, to effect such a movement of the auxiliary rudder with reference to the main rudder that the latter is returned to its prescribed'position, e. g., normal position for going in straight direction, or steering position. Finally, said gearing is to effect the corresponding movements of the main rudder with reference to the auxilliary rudder if, when going astern, the main rudder is reversed for 180.

To attain these eflects, between main rudder and auxiliary rudder a transmission gearing to fast is so arranged that a small angular turning of the main rudder results in a large angular turning of the auxiliary rudder. If, when going astern, the main rudder is reversed, said gearing, in a preferred form of construction, is so arranged that the auxiliary rudder executes an oscillatory movement with reference to the main rudder, and that in such a way that in proximity to the working position a smallmovement of the main rudder results in a large movement of the auxiliary rudder, while, when surpassing the position close on board, the ratio of tra-nsmissionfrom the main rudder to theauxiliary rudder results only in a trifling angular turning of the auxiliary rudder in the same direction or in a reversal of the auxiliary rudder movement.

Generally, the gearing of the rudder arrangement will be mounted on the rudder head. so that it moves with the rudder, while the driving mechanism of the direction governor that is adjusted from a place on the vessel, is also carried by the rudder head but stationary with reference to the vessel. though resilient. The direction governor in the present instance is constituted by a disc 11 (seeFig. 1) which indicates the steering direction in which theauxiliary surface should guide the main surface and in which the auxiliary surface. should hold the main surface. I

The present invention has for its object to improve steering arrangements of such a rudder arrangement for vessels and airships, so as to combine the same with an ex tremely simple gearing that suits the above mentioned requirements.

The accompanying drawing represents one preferred form of the construction of the improved rudder arrangement: Fig. 1 is a sec tional elevation of the same, while Fig. 2 is a cross-section on the line m-emof Fig. 1.

1 designates theshaft ofthe main rudder 20, said shaft being freely turnable in the framing of the vessel, and 2 is the shaft of the auxiliary rudder 21, said latter shaft being centrally mounted in said main rudder shaft. The latter carries on itstop end a fixed disc 3 formingthe bottom of a casing 4, which thus is adapted to participate in the movements of themain rudder. 5 of said casing is mounted over a ring 6 which is integral with a box 6' that is stationary in the vessel. The auxiliary rudder shaft 2 can be driven from the bridge or other commanding place of the vessel by means of a rotary axle 7 which transmits its movementto the axle 10 of a cam-disc 1 1 in the upper part of the casing 4: through a worm gearing 8, 9 in the box 6'. Said cam-disc 11 is so designed that it suits the desired movements of the auxiliary rudder 21: Thus, for instance, from the circumference of a circle the radii of the circle are increased or decreased respectively for the ordinates of a periodical curve, corresponding to which the ratio of the angular speed between main plane and auxiliary plane is to be determined.

In the example illustrated, the cam-disc 11 is designed symmetrically with reference to two axes a-a and t o, located at right angles to one another. I

- The cam-disc 11 forms preferably a double I disc in order to avoid a separatecontacting contrivance for the rollers sliding thereon. The cam disc gearing thus comprises two cam races 12 and 13, each being in contact The cover with a roller15 or16, said rollers being mounted on the ends of a knee-lever 14. The discs which can be arranged symmetrically to two axes which are at right angles to each other, such, for example, as 0-0, d(l, of disc 3, are displaced with reference to one another as concerns their phases, the angle of the knee-lever 14 being correspondingly determined (Fig. 2). The trunnion 17 of the knee-lever 14 is mounted in the casing 4 and transmits itsinoven'ients received from the cam-disc 11, to the auxiliary rudder shaft 2 through the medium of a transmission gearing 18 of any appropriate type inthe lower part of the casing If said driving mechanism of the auxiliary rudder shaft 2 is at rest and the freely turnable main rudder is displaced for instance by a change of the current, the main rudder shaft 1 and the casing lixed thereon areturiied. The knee-lever 14 fulcrumed in the latter at IT participates in said movement and, consequently, the rollers '15, 16 are guided along the: camraces ofthe cam-disc 11 whichis then in fixed position.

Thus, therefore in this case, the trunnionli' is set in rotation and a corresponding counter-movement of the auxiliary rudder 21 is produced through the, medium of the transmissiongearing 18. If, as it no'rmally happens, the control of theauxiliary rudder and the self movement of the main rudder take place at the same time, the steps above described coincide with one another.

Thus, the operation of the driving mechanism from Ith e direction indicator results in the adjustment of a. cam race in contact with an oscillatory roller-lever, the trun: nion of which is rigidly connected with the main rudder. I I I V The construction illustrated in the ex ample, in which a double cam-disc 12,13 is employed in connection with a knee-lever lethaving rollers 15, 16 in contact with said disc,reprc'seiits a preferred form of the improved rudder arrangen'ient, By appropriately designing the cam races of said camdisc, it is possible to co'ntrol and to determine in a perfectly free way the dependence of the t" O..,1"udder movements upon one another. Thus, within'the Zero position of the auxiliary ruc'lde'rthe design of the cam races must so chosen th'at'bya ratio of transmission from slow to fast"? an effective rudder angle can berapidIy attained when drivingthe auxiliary'rudder as well as at an. (lut tlinltlflc,COlllltQI-lllOYGlIlBIlt of the "same, and within the largest rudder i'nove'm'eiits in such a wa that as little expenditure of power as p ss i'b le is required for the active drive. Besides, the normal requirements of such fgearin'gs can also be easily accomplished. Thus, for instance, the correct position of the auxiliary rudder relatively to the main rudder and the ship may be obtained when the ships direction to that occupied by the auxiliary rudder when the main rudder is operated to an equal angle for steering toward the other side. I

lVhat-Iclainnis: I I I 1. In a steering arrangement in combination, a main plane, at least. one auxiliary plane adapted to adjust the latterwith the aid of the current, and an intermediary gearing con'i'prising at least two parts, namely .a cam race and a slidingcontrivance in contact therewith, and adapted to produce the relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary plane with reference to the main plane, one o'f sa'id parts adapted to be adjusted from the steering device and another partto participate in the movement of the main plane. I I I II I V2. In a steeringarrangement: in combination, a main plane, at least'one' auxiliary plane adapted to adjust the latter with the aid of the current, and an intermediary gearing comprising at least two parts, namely a cam-discand a sliding contrivance incontact therewith, and adapted to produce the relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary plane' with reference to the main plane, o neof said parts adapted" to be adjustedfrom the steering device and a nother part toparticipate in the movement of the main plane. I I I II I I I 8. In a steering arrangement in combination, a main plane, at least one auxiliary plane adapted to adjust the "latter with the aid of the current, a nd an intermediary gearing comprising at leastftw o pa r t s, namely a cam race and a sliding contrivance in cona ct therewith, and adapted to produce the relative I movement to be executed. by the auxiliary plane with reference 'to the main plane, one of said parts adapted to be adjusted from the direction goveruorand another part to participate in the movement of the main plane. I I I II In a steering arrangement: in combina tion, a inai'n plane, at least one auxiliary plane adapted to a djust th e latter with the aid the current, and. an intermediary gearingcomprising at leastftwo parts, namely a cam-disc and a sliding 'c ont-rivancein contact therewith, and adapted to produce the 1 .'ela tiv e 'nio vement'to loe executed by the auxiliary plane with reference to .the main plane, o'neof saicl p arts adapted to be adjusted f lQI n the. direction governor and an ether part to participate in the movement of the main plane, I I I c In 'ajsteeringarrangement: comhi nation, "a main plane, at least "one auxiliary plane adapted toadjust thelatter with the aid of the current, driving mechanism for an adjustment of said auxiliary plane, and an intermediary gearing comprising at least two parts, namely a cam race and a sliding contrivance in contact therewith, andadapted to producethe relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary plane with refer ence to the main plane, one of said parts adapted to be adjusted from said direction governor and another part to participate in the movement of the main plane.

6. In a steering arrangement: in combination, a main plane, at least one auxiliary plane adapted to adjust the latter with the aid of the current, and an intermediary gearing comprising at least two parts, namely a cam race designed symmetrically with reference to at least one axis and a sliding contrivance in Contact therewith, and adapted to produce the relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary plane with refer-. ence to the main plane, one of said parts adapted to be adjusted from the direction. governor and anotherpart to participate in the movement of the main plane.

'7. In a steering arrangement: in combination, a main plane, at least one auxiliary plane adapted to adjust the latter with the aid of the current, and an intermediary gearing comprising at least two parts, namely a cam race designed symmetrically with reference to two axes and a sliding contrivance in contact therewith, and adaptedto produce the relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary plane with reference to the main plane, one of said parts adapted to be adjusted fromthe direction governor and another part to participate in the movement of the main plane. I

i 8. In a steering arrangement: in combination, a main plane, at least one auxiliary.

plane adapted to adjust the latter with the aid of the current, and an intermediary gearing con'iprising at least two parts, namely a cam race designed symmetrically with reference to two axes located at right angles to one another and a slidingcontrivance in contact therewith, and adapted to produce the relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary plane with reference to the main plane, one of said parts adapted to be adj usted from the direction governor and at least the other part to participate in the movement" of the main plane.

1.). In a steering arrangement: in combination, a main plane, at least one auxiliary plane adapted to adjust the latter with the aid of the current, and an intermediary gearing comprising at least two parts, namely a cam-dlsc designed symmetrically with reference to at least one axis and a slidingv contrivance in contact therewith, and adapt-- ed to produce the relativemovement to be executed by the auxiliary plane with reference to the main plane, one of said parts adapted to be adjusted from the direction governor and another part to participate in the movement of the main plane.-

10. In a steering arrangement: in combination, a main plane, at least one auxiliary plane adapted to adjust the latter with the aid of the current, and an intermediary gearing comprising at least two parts, namely a cam-disc designed symmetrically with reference to two axes anda sliding contrivance in contact therewith, and adapted to produce the relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary plane with reference to the main plane, one of said parts adapted to be adjusted from the direction governor and another part to participate in the movement of the main plane. I

11. In a steering arrangementzin combination, a main plane, at least one auxiliary plane adapted to adjust the latter with the aid of the current, and an intermediary gearing comprising at least two parts, namely a cam-disc designed symmetrically with reference to two axes located at right angles to one another and a sliding contrivance in contact therewith, and adapted to produce the relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary plane witlrreference to the main plane, one of saidparts adapted to be ad justed from the direction governor and another part to participate in the movement of the main plane.

12. In a steering arrangement: in combination, a main plane, at least one auxiliary plane adapted to adjust the latter with the aid of the current, and an intermediary gearing comprising at least two parts, namely a cam race produced by. increasingor decreasing respectively the radii of a circle from its circumference for the ordinates of a periodical curve and a sliding contrivance in contact therewith, and adapted to produce the relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary plane with reference to the mainplane, one of said parts adapted to be adjusted from the direction governor and another part to participate in the movement of the main plane. 7

13. In a steering arrangement: in combination, a main plane, at least one auxiliary plane adapted to adjust the latter with the aid of the current, and an intermediary gearing comprising at least two parts, namely a cam-disc and a roller-lever in contact therewith, andadapted to produce the relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary plane with reference to the main plane, one of said parts adapted to be. ad-o justed from the direction-governor and am other part to participate in the movement of the main plane. l

14:. In a steering arrangement? in combination, a mainplane, at least one auxiliary plane adapted to adjust the latter with the aid of the current, and an intermediary gearmg comprisingat least two parts,namely a cam-disc and an oscillatory roller-lever 1n contact therewith, and adapted to produce 15. In a steering arrangement: in combi-r nation, a main plane, at least one auxiliary plane adapted to ad ust the latter with the aid of the current, and an intermediary gearing comprising at least two parts, namely a cam-disc and an oscillatory roller-lever fulcrumed on the main plane, and adapted to produce the relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary plan with reference to the main plane, one of said parts adapted to be adjusted from the direction governor and another part to participatev in the movement of the main plane.

16. In a steering arrangement: in comhination, a main plane, at least one auxiliary plane adapted to adjust the latter with the aid of thecurrent, and an intermediary gearing comprising at least two parts, namely a cam-disc and an oscillatory roller-lever in contact therewith having its trunnion mounted on the main plane andcoupled with the auxiliary plane, and adapted to produce the relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary plane with reference to the main plane, one of said parts adapted to be adjusted from the direction governor and another part to participate in the movement of the main plane.

17. In a steering arrangement: in combination, a main plane, at least one auxiliary plane adapted to adjust the latter with the aid of t i current, and an intermediary gearing comprising at least two parts, namely a cam-disc and an oscillatory roller-lever having its trunnion mounted on the main plane and coupled with'the auxiliary plane shaft that is centrally located in the main plane shaft, and adapted to produce the relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary plane with reference to the main plane, one of said parts adapted to be adjusted from the direction governor and another part to participate in the movement of the main plane. r I

18. In a steering arrangement: in combination, a main plane, at least one auxiliary plane adapted to adjust the latter with the aid of the current, and an intermediarygean ing comprising at least two parts, namely a double cam-disc and an oscillatory rollerlever in contact'therewith, and adapted to produce the relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary plane with reference tothe main plane, one of said parts adapted to be adjusted'from the direction governor and another part to participate in the movedouble cam-disc with displaceable phases of the-single discsand a knee-lever of which the angle correspondsto the phase angle of the discs, and adapted to produce the relativ movement to be executed by the auxili-- ary plane with reference to the main plane, one of said parts adapted to be, adjusted from "the dir otion governor and another part' to participate in the movement of the main plane.

20. In asteering arrangement: in combination, a main plane, at least one auxiliary plane adapted to adjust the latter with the aid of the current, driving mechanism comprising a worm-gearing for an adjustment of said auxiliary plane, and an intermediary gearing comprising at least two parts, namely, a double camdisc with displaceable phases of the single discs and an oscillatory knee-lever in contact therewith, and adapted to produce the relative movement to 'be executed by the auxiliary plane with reference to the main plane, one of said parts adapted to be adjusted by the direction governor and another part to participate in the movement of the main plane.

'21.. In a rudder arrangement for vessels and aircraft: in combination, a main rudder, at least one auxiliary rudder adapted to adjust the latter with the aid of the cur-. rent, driving mechanism for an adjustment of said auxiliary rudder, and an intermediary gearing comprising at least two parts, namely a double cam disc with displaced phases of the single discs and an oscillatory kneetlever in contact therewith, and adapted to produce the relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary rudder with reference to the main rudder, said cam-disc serving as direction governor and adapted to be adjusted from the vessel and said knee-lever fulcrumed on said main rudder and adapted-to participate in the movement of the latter. i

22. In a rudder arrangement for vessels and aircraft: in combination, a main rudder, at least one auxiliary rudder adapted to adjust the latter with the aid of the current, driving mechanism for an adjustment-of said auxiliary'rudder, and an intern'iedi'ary gearing comprising at least two parts, namely a double cam disc with displaced ph'ases of the single discs and symmetrical with reference to at least one axis and an oscillatory knee-lever in contact therewith, an'd adapted toproduce the relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary rudder'with reference to the main rudder, said cam-disc serving as direction governor and adapted to be adjusted from the vessel and said knee lever itulcrumed on said main rudder and adapted to participate in the movement of the latter.

23. In a rudder arrangement for vessels and aircraft: in combination, a main rudder, at least one auxiliary rudder adapted to adjust the latter with the aid of the current, driving mechanism for an adjustment of said auxiliary rudder, and an intermediary gearing comprising at least two parts, namely a double camdisc with dis placed phases of the single discs and symmetrical with reference to two axes and an oscillatory kneevlever in contact therewith, and adapted to produce the relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary rudder with reference to the main rudder, said cam-disc serving as direction governor and adapted to be adjusted from the vessel and said knee-lever fulcrunied on saidinain rudder and adapted to participate in the movement of the latter. j

24. In a rudder arrangement for vessels and aircraft: in combination, a main rudder, at least one auxiliary rudder adapted to adjust the latter With the aid of the current, driving mechanism for an adjustment of said auxiliary rudder, and an intermediary gearing comprising at least tWo parts, namely a double cam-disc with displaced phases of the single discs and symmetrical with reference 'to two axes located at right angles to one another and an oscillatory knee-lever in contact therewith, and adapted to produce the relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary rudder with reference to the main rudder, said cam-disc serving as direction governor and adapted to be adjusted from the vessel and said knee-lever :fulorumed on said main rudder and adapted to participate in the moves ment of the latter.

25. In a rudder arrangement for vessels and aircraft: in combination, a main rudder, at least one auxiliary rudder adapted to adjust the latter with the aid of the current, driving mechanism for an adjust- .ment of said auxiliary rudder comprising a Worm-gearing, and an intermediary gearing comprising at least two parts, namely a double cam-disc with displaced phases of the single discs and an oscillatory kneeleverin contact therewith, and adapted to produce the relative movement to be executed by the auxiliary rudder With reference to the main rudder, said cam-discserving asdirection governor and adapted to be adjusted from the vessel and said kneelever i'ulcrumed on said main rudder and adapted to participate in the movement of the latter.

In testimony whereof I aifix my signature.

EMIL LUOH SINGER'. 

